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INN VATION BLACK HISTORY MONTH NAME: NSIN AFFILIATION: AFFILIATION: STATE:
Colonel Gregory Coleman, USAF Retired Former & Founding Director, NSIN Acceleration Portfolio Principal, National Security Innovation Capital Maryland
QUESTION. Who/what inspired you to get involved in an NSIN defense innovation program? ANSWER. By the time NSIN was launched, I had already completed over 20 years of military service and nearly a decade as a tech entrepreneur. I always knew on a deep level that DoD needed to work more effectively with startups if we were going to keep technological pace with our competitors. In NSIN, I saw a way to bring my unique combination of military operations and startup founder experiences to bear on these important challenges and figured out how to work my way into the organization before there were really any set pathways in. Q. What advice would you offer to others about pathways to national service and working with the Department of Defense? A. I challenge you to put aside any preconceived notions about working in DoD because they are likely outdated or uniformed. Even after 25+ years of military service, I continue to be amazed by the caliber of people I meet and their diversity of backgrounds and experience. I came into NSIN and DIU thinking I was going to be one of the only people who understood what it was like to work in the commercial sector but was quickly surprised and humbled by the diversity and depth of experiences I encountered. Q. In your experience, how has diversity, or the lack of diversity, affected a team’s ability to generate creative ideas and solve problems? A. Lack of diversity creates blind spots and impairs effective decision making. It is easy to get into groupthink and even easier to lose the empathy required
to understand diverse points of views and perspectives. When you’re working on something that impacts a wide range of people, whether it is a product or a policy, insufficient perspective and consideration can lead to catastrophe or, at best, sub-optimal performance. Q. If you could go to dinner with any Black historical figure, dead or alive, who would it be and why? A. I would have dinner with General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., the Tuskegee Airman and first African American USAF Brigadier General. I would love to talk to him about the private thoughts he had as he navigated the military in that time. Q. Why is it important to learn about Black history, and what does it mean to you? A. I live Black history, was raised by Black history, and sometimes am Black history. My grandfather was a Tuskegee Airman, my father was the first Black man from the state of Tennessee to be appointed to the Naval Academy, and my wife’s grandfather was one of the contractors who rebuilt 16th Street Baptist Church after it was bombed in 1963. In my own life, when I was an Air Force pilot, only 2% of us were Black. As a tech entrepreneur, I was part of the first-ever all-Black founding team to attend a Techstars Accelerator and have raised venture capital in a world where only 2% of founders who have raised over $1M are Black. Knowing my history is what gives me the strength and resilience required to spend so much of my professional life as “the only” or “one of the 2%”. I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me and have a responsibility to continue the journey.
About the National Security Innovation Network NSIN is changing the way the Department of Defense solves problems. NSIN is building a diverse network from academia, entrepreneurial innovators and the defense community to leverage our nation’s greatest asset — people. NSIN is headquartered in Arlington, Va. and has 11 regional offices in commercial innovation hubs throughout the U.S.
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INN VATION BLACK HISTORY MONTH NAME: NSIN AFFILIATION: AFFILIATION:
STATE:
Pierce Robinson NSIN Foundry Alum CEO, Safe Source Energy; CIO/CTO, GovCon Giants Nebraska
QUESTION. Who/what inspired you to get involved in an NSIN defense innovation program? ANSWER. It was actually Mr. Wade Watts (NSIN University Program Director, University of Nebraska at Omaha) that played a pivotal role in me getting involved in the program. He reached out, gave me an overview of the program, and said he thought it would be a good match based on my skillset. So, I went and did some research and applied. Q. What advice would you offer to others about pathways to national service and working with the Department of Defense? A. It is not as easy or as cut and dry as you might think it is. Be prepared to take losses during the process. Also realize that just because you put the time in, does not mean you will get the results you desire. So, make sure this is something you really want to do so you don’t end up wasting your time or the NSIN’s. Q. In your experience, how has diversity, or the lack of diversity, affected a team’s ability to generate creative ideas and solve problems? A. I’ve discovered that when everyone is openminded, diversity can be a beautiful thing for a team, especially when it comes to solving problems.
It allows a team to look at things from different perspectives and explore alternative solutions when encountering problems. Q. If you could go to dinner with any Black historical figure, dead or alive, who would it be and why? A. I would try to be innovative and figure out how to take two people — LOL. Since I can only take one, I would go with Reginald F. Lewis because of everything he accomplished with TLC Beatrice International Holdings, and I have always been interested in the details that are left out of the books and documentaries on his life. Q. Why is it important to learn about Black history and what does it mean to you? A. It’s important to learn about Black history because it will inspire you to do and be better. Not only does Black history put into perspective everything prior generations had to endure, but it also highlights their strength and accomplishments. Those accomplishments and everything prior generations overcame, inspire me daily. Because it’s a constant reminder that no matter what I may lack currently, there’s historical proof that somebody with less was able to do more and be successful.
About the National Security Innovation Network NSIN is changing the way the Department of Defense solves problems. NSIN is building a diverse network from academia, entrepreneurial innovators and the defense community to leverage our nation’s greatest asset — people. NSIN is headquartered in Arlington, Va. and has 11 regional offices in commercial innovation hubs throughout the U.S.
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INN VATION BLACK HISTORY MONTH
NAME: NSIN AFFILIATION: AFFILIATION: STATE:
Jovanda Patterson NSIN Foundry Alum UMASS Global MSW Student California
QUESTION. Who/what inspired you to get involved in an NSIN defense innovation program?
Q. If you could go to dinner with any Black historical figure, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
ANSWER. I was inspired to get involved with the NSIN defense innovation program by a fellow respected and trusted program participant alumnus, Pierce Robinson.
A. If I could go to dinner with any Black historical figure, it would be poet, author, and lecturer, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. Mrs. Watkins was not only the first African American woman to publish a short story, but she was also an influential abolitionist, suffragist, and reformer that co-founded the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs. Her famous speech entitled, “We Are All Bound Up Together,” urged her fellow attendees to include African American women in their fight for suffrage. She emphasized that Black women were facing the double burden of racism and sexism at the same time, therefore the fight for women’s suffrage must include suffrage for African Americans. I would commend her for seeking equality even when she felt every man’s hand against her. I would applaud her for keeping hope in times of struggle and adversity. I would thank her for challenging me and so many others to be brave, courageous, insightful, prayerful, and full of grace despite the toils for we are not just women but black women who carry great burdens, yet we rise.
Q. What advice would you offer to others about pathways to national service and working with the Department of Defense? A. My advice to anyone contemplating or currently going through working with DoD is stay the course. It will be difficult and frustrating at times, but hard work and determination will see you through. I would also ask them to think outside the box. An invention is just that — an invention — but its substance is bred through the belief that we give it. Q. In your experience, how has diversity, or the lack of diversity, affected a team’s ability to generate creative ideas and solve problems? A. In my case, diversity in both life experiences, work skills, and race have played a vital role in our success. Each member coming from different walks of life being opened minded to change has allowed us to see every problem from every angle. In the past, in both government and the civil sector, the lack of in diversity caused mistrust, discrepancies, and an unheard voice of the nation.
Q. Why is it important to learn about Black history, and what does it mean to you? A. Black history is important as it reminds us not only who we are but where we have been. Our history tells us that tomorrow is more than a promise, but an inheritance. Our history reflects the strength and intelligence we carry and shows us to never be ashamed of who we are.
About the National Security Innovation Network NSIN is changing the way the Department of Defense solves problems. NSIN is building a diverse network from academia, entrepreneurial innovators and the defense community to leverage our nation’s greatest asset — people. NSIN is headquartered in Arlington, Va. and has 11 regional offices in commercial innovation hubs throughout the U.S.
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INN VATION BLACK HISTORY MONTH NAME: NSIN AFFILIATION: AFFILIATION: STATE:
Kendrick O. Faison NSIN Starts Alum CEO, SpatialGIS Maryland
QUESTION. Who/what inspired you to get involved in an NSIN defense innovation program? ANSWER. What inspired me to be involved with the NSIN defense innovation program was that I wanted SpatialGIS to learn, grow, collaborate, and contribute with a group of thought leaders moving the technology, people, and purpose of national security forward. I acknowledge and see the importance of being a part of the team. I am a strong supporter of agile, nextgeneration thinking, and collaborative problem solving, all things I like about this program. The summation of many with one goal to safeguard the homeland. Q. What advice would you offer to others about pathways to national service and working with the Department of Defense? A. I would recommend jumping in feet first. As the old saying goes, 70% of the battle is just showing up. Next, I would recommend studying the tradecraft and learning how to bring new ideas to the table. It is equally important to find a great mentor who can help navigate through sometimes very complex processes working in the federal sector. Lastly, I would recommend always having a hunger to learn and ask questions. Q. In your experience, how has diversity, or the lack of diversity, affected a team’s ability to generate creative ideas and solve problems? A. Honestly, I believe it has both helped and hindered our growth. I think it has helped and been a blessing to assist and be a trailblazer coming up with unique ideas and concepts as a minority-owned firm. On the flip side, I think with the added pressure of working with limited
access to capital and resources has not enabled us to grow to our maximum potential. In addition, I do believe it is essential that diversity be more action than just a talking point. Q. If you could go to dinner with any Black historical figure, dead or alive, who would it be and why? A. I would say, Dr. Homer G. Phillips, a St. Louis legend. One incredible fact that people might not know, is that he gave students that were overqualified, but could not get into a white medical and/or nursing school, the ability to become world-class doctors. I notice the same trend now in St. Louis, in the field of geospatial, where we have some of the greatest minds in our HBCU’s that most of those programs often overlook to help graduates of PWI’s. I am a product of Fayetteville State University, a North Carolina HBCU, and graduated with a dual degree in History and Geography. I, too, like Dr. Phillips, want to give Black and other minorities groups opportunities to grow and be successful in St. Louis. Q. Why is it important to learn about Black history and what does it mean to you? A. There is a saying, “History repeats itself.” We have made some incredible achievements as Blacks in this country and the defense community. We have to make sure that we tell our story so that the generation behind us can pick up where we left off and keep going. I think it’s more important that others understand the truth about Black people rather than listen to the false narrative that has followed us. I am working daily to make sure that my name and legacy are also etched in the country’s history as a person who made a difference.
About the National Security Innovation Network NSIN is changing the way the Department of Defense solves problems. NSIN is building a diverse network from academia, entrepreneurial innovators and the defense community to leverage our nation’s greatest asset — people. NSIN is headquartered in Arlington, Va. and has 11 regional offices in commercial innovation hubs throughout the U.S.
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INN VATION BLACK HISTORY MONTH NAME: Elbert Dockery NSIN AFFILIATION: NSIN Hacks 3x Finalist
and Tech Squad Alum AFFILIATION: Tree Bytes, Founder
& Software Engineer STATE: Illinois
QUESTION. Who/what inspired you to get involved in an NSIN defense innovation program? ANSWER. I’ve always wanted to be a large DoD supplier since I was a young kid. I’m a big Ironman and Batman fan so seeing Tony Starks and Bruce Wayne run their companies and mention selling their products to the military always interested me. I didn’t know how or what to do to get started in doing business with the DoD. I was connected to Mr. Wade Watts at NSIN by Mr. Pierce Robinson. From there, he informed me about NSIN and its programs. We talked about my goals and the direction I’m headed in with my startup. Throughout the programs I have been in, I want to build up a long-lasting rapport with the entire DoD. This will provide more jobs for the American people and give kids a clear picture of what may seem to be impossible. Difficult takes a day, impossible takes a week. Q. What advice would you offer to others about pathways to national service and working with the Department of Defense? A. To understand how the DoD functions, to never give up, and always seek improvement. The DoD has a very complicated process to do business with them. The required certifications, compliances are among the many things that make a small company go under. This is one of the reasons the DoD wants their suppliers to have other sources of revenue and funding.
Q. In your experience, how has diversity, or the lack of diversity, affected a team’s ability to generate creative ideas and solve problems? A. Well, a diversity of thought is always needed. Especially in times like this, having a wide range of different thought processes and experiences to pull from can truly make a team thrive. If everyone thought the same, there would be stagnation. Or, some people may feel as if they are being censored because they don’t want to be the person to “rock the boat.” From my experience, accomplishing something tough brings a form of enjoyment and fulfillment. Q. If you could go to dinner with any Black historical figure, dead or alive, who would it be and why? A. I would have to pick Thomas Sowell. His conversation would be filled with golden gems from his own experience and what he has learned. I know besides his books that he has written and the interviews he has online, I can take some Thomas Sowell immediate action that will further my actions of becoming a better man and better American. One of his quotes that can be applicable to anyone is, “Differences in habits and attitudes are differences in human capital, just as much as differences in knowledge and skills—and such differences create economic outcomes.”
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INN VATION
ELBERT DOCKERY
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Q. Why is it important to learn about Black history, and what does it mean to you? A. Interesting question. Where to start.......It is important to learn all history — Black history and world history, because they are all intertwined. I’m a product of the Chicago Public School system and for this reason I never truthfully connected with Black History Month. Growing up, the same people were mentioned constantly. The overall theme was oppression, despair, and the struggle. As I got older, I did my own research and realized how extensive
our history is and how it’s connected to many events in various time periods. Black History Month means continuing to build on the past and not constantly looking at the past as the means of an end. I think I am a part of the #Blackpresent or #BlackFuture. Hopefully, my track record will be added to the historical books as I inspire other Black people, but also every other race and ethnicity as well. Let’s move the needle forward. To conclude the interview, some of my favorite quotes from Thomas Sowell are “Intellect is not wisdom” and “It doesn’t matter how smart you are unless you stop and think.”
About the National Security Innovation Network NSIN is changing the way the Department of Defense solves problems. NSIN is building a diverse network from academia, entrepreneurial innovators and the defense community to leverage our nation’s greatest asset — people. NSIN is headquartered in Arlington, Va. and has 11 regional offices in commercial innovation hubs throughout the U.S.
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INN VATION BLACK HISTORY MONTH NAME: NSIN AFFILIATION: AFFILIATION:
STATE:
Khari Harrison NSIN X-Force Alum Ph.D. Candidate, Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University; Graduate Research Assistant, TAMU Hypervelocity Impact Laboratory, Materials for Extreme Environments Mississippi
QUESTION. Who/what inspired you to get involved in an NSIN defense innovation program? ANSWER. I like to work on the more open-ended problems that don’t necessarily have cut-anddry solutions. Of those types of problems, the ones that interest me the most usually come from the DoD. When a hypersonics related NSIN opportunity passed through my inbox, I figured it was worth exploring further. Q. What advice would you offer to others about pathways to national service and working with the Department of Defense? A. First, figure out the things that you like to do, and the things that you do well, then take time and search out the DoD initiatives that may exist in those areas. You should also work to understand the future of those fields, as the ones with the greatest longevity and usefulness to the DoD and partners, will be the ones that garner the greatest funding, attention, and intrigue. Q. In your experience, how has diversity, or the lack of diversity, affected a team’s ability to generate creative ideas and solve problems? A. When you have teams composed of a diverse group of people, the solutions you field, to those problems, are diverse. I’ve been on teams where people had different backgrounds, different upbringings, and different social interactions, and it almost always results in approaches to problems that differ, and that the next team member had
not considered. I’ve also been on teams that are the inverse, and while generally a solution to the problem is reached, the approaches and methodologies can lack variation. When you talk about innovation with respect to the DoD, I think a lot of the time the approaches can be more important than the solutions. Because if I have a problem, “Approach A” may be the most apt, but it’s important still to field “Approach B” as there may exist another problem for which “Approach B” can be adapted to work the best. Without that diverse group of problem-solvers, that solution may have never appeared. Q. If you could go to dinner with any Black historical figure, dead or alive, who would it be and why? A. I would pick Gen. Charles Bolden, Jr., he served as the first black NASA Administrator from 2009 to 2017. I used to want to be an astronaut so obviously, he would have a ton of insight and knowledge on what it was like being one, before ultimately working his way up to NASA’s highest position. When I was younger, and really becoming more aware of what I wanted to do career-wise, Gen. Bolden was one of the first leadership Gen. Charles Bolden, Jr. figures that I saw in a field that interested me. I partner with NASA for some of my current work, so he would be a fantastic resource for navigating an entity that I love but is lacking in leaders and mentors that look like him and me.
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INN VATION
KHARI HARRISON
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Also, he and I are in the same fraternity, so there exists the opportunity to discuss career and life experiences from a more personal point of view. Q. Why is it important to learn about Black history and what does it mean to you? A. It’s important to learn about Black history because Black history is American history. There exists a wealth of knowledge about all aspects of the subject, that make it difficult to continue living
in ignorance. I think learning and understanding Black history is vital for the person who wishes to better themselves, and the world around them. Additionally, there are so many figures and events of the past that still have a hand in shaping the American way of life, today. I’m glad I was put on the learning path early, as it has exposed me to different aspects of representation in the STEM fields and made me appreciative of the differing experiences of those around me.
About the National Security Innovation Network NSIN is changing the way the Department of Defense solves problems. NSIN is building a diverse network from academia, entrepreneurial innovators and the defense community to leverage our nation’s greatest asset — people. NSIN is headquartered in Arlington, Va. and has 11 regional offices in commercial innovation hubs throughout the U.S.
info@nsin.mil | nsin.mil